Eighth Kansan dies from swine flu

A 48-year-old southwest Kansas woman has died from the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced it was the eighth death in Kansas from swine flu. The woman had underlying health conditions that put her at greater risk for serious complications.

Her death comes two days after KDHE announced a 50-year-old Johnson County woman, who had no serious prior medical problems, died from swine flu.

“These deaths show how important it is for all of us do what we can to protect ourselves and our families against H1N1 flu, and to reduce the risk of spreading this virus,” Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, state health officer, said. “More vaccine will soon begin arriving in Kansas each week, and we hope that everyone who is able will choose to get vaccinated as larger amounts of it become available.”